What’s the difference between Blue Hawaii and Blue Hawaiian drinks?

Answered by Daniel Conrad

When it comes to the Blue Hawaii and Blue Hawaiian drinks, the main difference lies in the choice of ingredients used to create these tropical . As a sommelier and brewer, I've had the pleasure of exploring various drink recipes and delving into the world of mixology. Let's dive into the details and uncover the nuances that set these two drinks apart.

1. The Blue Hawaii:
The Blue Hawaii cocktail typically includes the following ingredients:
– 1 ½ oz of light
– 1 oz of pineapple
– ½ oz of sweet and sour mix
– ½ oz of blue

The sweet and sour mix is a key component of the Blue Hawaii, contributing a balanced combination of sweetness and tartness. It adds a vibrant citrus flavor to the drink, enhancing the tropical experience.

2. The Blue Hawaiian:
On the other hand, the Blue Hawaiian cocktail swaps out the sweet and sour mix for cream of coconut. The remaining ingredients are quite similar:
– 1 ½ oz of light rum
– 1 oz of pineapple juice
– ½ oz of cream of coconut
– ½ oz of blue curaçao liqueur

Cream of coconut, also known as creme de coconut, is a sweet, creamy ingredient commonly used in tropical cocktails. It adds a rich and velvety texture to the Blue Hawaiian, creating a luscious mouthfeel and a more indulgent flavor profile compared to the Blue Hawaii.

Personal experience: I vividly remember sipping on a Blue Hawaiian while lounging on a beach during a sunny vacation. The cream of coconut gave the drink a delightful creaminess that perfectly complemented the tropical surroundings. It felt like a decadent treat amidst the warm, salty breeze.

It's worth noting that both cocktails share the same base of light rum, pineapple juice, and blue curaçao liqueur. These ingredients provide a refreshing and tropical foundation, with the blue curaçao lending its vibrant blue color to these visually stunning cocktails.

To summarize, the main difference between the Blue Hawaii and Blue Hawaiian drinks lies in the choice of mixer. The Blue Hawaii incorporates sweet and sour mix, adding a citrusy tang, while the Blue Hawaiian opts for cream of coconut, providing a creamy and indulgent twist. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the desired flavor profile you seek in your tropical cocktail experience.

Next time you find yourself craving a taste of the tropics, consider trying both the Blue Hawaii and Blue Hawaiian to experience the subtle yet distinct variation in flavors. Cheers to exploring the world of mixology and discovering new and exciting cocktail recipes!